Reds aiming for Moscow

THE Reds have got their sights on Moscow after Sir Alex Ferguson's £50m-plus summer spending spree. A May 21 date in the Russian capital in the Luzhniki Stadium for the 2008 Champions League Cup final is on United's agenda after the Glazers bankrolled the Premiership champions manager's squad-building work.

THE Reds have got their sights on Moscow after Sir Alex Ferguson's £50m-plus summer spending spree.

A May 21 date in the Russian capital in the Luzhniki Stadium for the 2008 Champions League Cup final is on United's agenda after the Glazers bankrolled the Premiership champions manager's squad-building work.

The Old Trafford owners injection of cash to enable the title-winners to tackle the quest for European glory has been applauded by Fergie.

The import of Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson, plus the imminent arrival of Carlos Tevez, has seen United becoming England's top shoppers this close season.

The early summer purchases of 26-year-old England midfielder Hargreaves from Bayern Munich and the addition of Nani from Sporting Lisbon and Anderson from Porto has given the Reds the potential to cement their recovery as a Champions League super-power.

Support

"Since the Glazers took over, they have been nothing but supportive and they have demonstrated that support. They have given me a lot of money this summer," says Fergie.

"I appreciate that. It has given us a really strong squad next year."

Ferguson has constantly lamented the fact that Old Trafford boasts just two replica European Cups in their museum from 1968 and 1999.

Last season's sweep to the semi-finals, before being knocked out by eventual winners AC Milan, restored United's Euro credibility.

Now Fergie hopes his new look outfit will take the Reds all the way to the Moscow showpiece not forgetting the challenge of retaining the Premiership crown won back in May from Chelsea.

"We have said this time and time again. We are forced to challenge for the Premier League because it is such a competitive league and such a tribal situation. It is like a tribal war," said the Reds' boss.

"But also without question, in terms of the profile of our club, and I have said it many times, we should have done better in Europe.

"Last year was the third time we have failed in a semi-final, we don't like that. We should be doing better. Signing these players does give us a better chance.

"It brings us quality and experience of Europe, and good intensity in our play. I am very hopeful we can do better."

New-boy Hargreaves says: "To be part of this club is a dream come true for me and I am looking forward to making a name for myself. I am not looking to emulate anyone.

Opportunity

"It is a great opportunity. I am 26 and have just spent 10 years at a great club like Bayern Munich. I had a lot of success there and I am looking forward to the next chapter in my career.

"This is one of the biggest clubs in the world, if not the biggest. We have some fantastic individuals. I am looking forward to having a lot of success over the next four seasons and winning as many titles as possible.

"I think my style will suit the Premier League. I look forward to playing in so many big games. There are so many fabulous teams in the Premier League, week in, week out. Training has been brilliant so far. The transition has been rather smooth."

Fergie added; "We are not looking for Owen to be a Roy Keane-type player but certainly the qualities he brings are different from the ones we have at the moment.

"Owen brings a lot of speed to the midfield and a good energy. He also has a lot of European experience. Not many players have got that. Seven years in the Bundesliga brings a different type of experience to what we are used to. That will help us as well."

Nani admitted that the success story of his Portuguese international pal Ronaldo inspired him to join the Reds.

"Cristiano and I grew up at the same club and played together for quite a long time. He has been successful here and played very well. That gave me an incentive to join."

"My ambition now is to do the best for me and the club. I want to try and play the best football I can to help us achieve our objectives at the beginning of the season. I will try to play as best I can for the benefit of everyone at this club."